Kia Optima Sportswagon unwrapped

By Ryan Lewis, 18 Feb 2016Car News

Kia has pulled the covers off its brand-new Optima Sportswagon, a car that follows on from the Sportspace Concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show last year.

The Optima Sportswagon is Kia’s first venture into the mid-size tourer space. It’s a handsome-looking wagon, with obvious styling carry-overs from the highly praised Sportspace Concept.

Luggage space with the wagon body is up 48 litres over the Optima sedan, for a 553-litre total cargo capacity. Exterior size is almost identical to the sedan, the only difference being a 5mm increase in height.

It’s a stylish proposition for wagon buyers with its laid forward D pillars creating an elegant silhouette. LED tail-lights and a sporty rear bumper design add to the athletic look.

The Sportswagon interior looks largely unchanged when compared to the sedan. A new split-fold rear seatback is one addition, allowing owners to drop each rear seat independently.

The electric tailgate lifts to reveal a series of ergonomic features integrated into the cargo area, including a safety barrier built in to the back of the seats, and pop-up sliding luggage rails for securing individual items likely to slide or roll around the boot.

Loading heavy items is made easier with a low, flat boot-lip, and handy tech from Kia called Smart Power Tailgate. Stand near the boot with the Optima’s smart key in your pocket and the boot will open automatically.

A new infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility will be introduced with the Sportswagon release.

Adding a wagon body to the Optima platform has increased overall weight and shifted the bulk of it slightly rearward. Kia claims ride quality will be uncompromised thanks to a retuned suspension set-up. Optional electronically adjustable dampers will be offered.

The Optima Sportswagon will go on sale in Europe towards the end of 2016. Kia Australia is currently considering plans to bring the car Down Under, with no firm details on when that may happen.